Connect with us

News

Africa is ‘on the rise’, says UN chief Guterres, urging collaboration for better future

Published

on

He urged everyone with a stake in Africa’s success to seize the new opportunities and work together with people on the continent for the common good.
However, alongside the progress and resilience, on the back of stability and improved governance, parts of Africa remain fragile with challenges to overcome, said Mr. Guterres, addressing the inaugural Africa Dialogue Series at the UN Headquarters, in New York.
The two-day series focuses on the nexus between peace, security, human rights, humanitarian and development in the continent. It replaces Africa Week, which was launched in 2010.
“The volatility of financial markets, the looming trade conflicts, and high levels of debt in some countries are causing concern over economies that may be vulnerable to shocks. The widening impacts of climate change will create additional strains in the years ahead,” he said.
“Inclusive, sustainable development in Africa is a goal unto itself.  It is also a leading tool to prevent conflict and crises,” added the UN chief.
On sustainable development, the Secretary-General noted the synergies between the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the AU’s Agenda 2063, and said that the policies and approaches two organizations “are more closely aligned [today] than ever before”.
Turning to the UN-AU partnership on peace and security, Mr. Guterres cited examples from the Central African Republic and South Sudan where UN is working closely with African-led initiatives.
“I will continue to advocate strongly for predictable, sustained and flexible financing for AU-led peace support operations authorized by the Security Council. These operations are contributing to global security and deserve multilateral support,” he said.
Making a ‘prosperous and peaceful Africa’ a reality – UN Special Adviser
Briefing on the theme of the dialogue and expected outcomes, Bience Gawanas, the UN Special Adviser on Africa, said that the Dialogue “bears testimony of the desire to engage with the UN to realize a prosperous and peaceful Africa.”
“Africa is changing  and it is seeking to achieve peace, prosperity and socio-economic transformation,” she said, urging all actors to continue to work together in a coherent and coordinated response to the challenges.
Meanwhile, María Fernanda Espinosa, the President of the 73rd session of the General Assembly highlighted the central role of Africa in the multilateral system, highlighting the importance of stronger and more collaborative efforts between the AU and the UN.
Such efforts will strengthen multilateralism, she said.
Ms. Espinosa also noted the revitalization processes at the two institutions and expressed hope that the end result will allow them to “work together on behalf of all people.”
“Our focus remains the same as yours: to ensure that the UN is reflective of, and relevant to the needs of all people,” she said.
Africa can share lessons vital for sustainable development – ECOSOC President
Speaking alongside Ms. Espinosa, Inga Rhonda King, the President of the Economic and Social Council underlined the importance of synergies between UN’s 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063 of the AU.
“The Economic and Social Council has an important role to play in sustaining peace and promoting sustainable development in Africa,” she said, noting the body’s collaboration with other entities of the UN system and beyond, to develop solutions to development and humanitarian challenges in the continent.
Noting the focus of next year’s High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) on Sustainable Development Goals on jobs, inequality, justice, climate change, education and partnerships, Ms. King called African countries, to share relevant lessons learned and ideas on progressing the 2030 Agenda forward.
Partnerships vital to overcome peace and security challenges – Security Council President
Also speaking at the Dialogue, Sacha Sergio Llorenty, the Permanent Representative of Bolivia and the President of the Security Council for the month of October, spoke of the link between peace, security and development.
He highlighted the importance of women and young people in peace and development efforts in Africa and called for political support at the highest level to ensure their meaning participation.
He also said that partnerships are critical to overcome challenges in the continent, as illustrated by the G5 Sahel Joint Task Force and the UN-AU Mission in Darfur (UNAMID).

Comments

News

Oyo: Oseni Celebrates Dotun Sanusi, Lauds Contributions to Society

Published

on

The All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Oyo South and Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has congratulated Ibadan-born businessman and philanthropist, Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi, on his 58th birthday, commending his contributions to enterprise, youth development and community advancement.

In a birthday message issued on Friday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, Oseni described the occasion as an opportunity to reflect on Sanusi’s entrepreneurial journey and commitment to using personal achievements to advance the common good. He wished the celebrant good health, renewed strength and greater accomplishments in the years ahead.

Oseni noted that Sanusi’s transition from petroleum engineering to business and investments across various sectors demonstrated the value of vision, perseverance and strategic thinking. He said the businessman’s career reflected how identifying opportunities beyond conventional professional boundaries could drive business success, stimulate economic growth and create opportunities for others.

The APC chieftain particularly commended Sanusi’s investments in hospitality, agriculture, education and sports, including Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, Ilaji Farms and the International College of Arts, Science and Technology (ICAST). He noted that such investments could stimulate economic activities, generate employment and support community development, particularly by providing young people with opportunities to acquire skills and pursue productive ventures.

According to Oseni, the significance of entrepreneurial success extends beyond the businesses established and wealth accumulated to the opportunities created and lives positively impacted. He said Sanusi’s investments and initiatives demonstrated the importance of private enterprise in supporting economic development and improving livelihoods.

“Chief Dotun Sanusi’s birthday provides an opportunity to celebrate the value of enterprise and the importance of investing in people. Businesses become more meaningful when they create jobs, support education and open doors for others to fulfil their potential. These are important contributions to society, and I wish him continued success in his endeavours,” he said.

The lawmaker also acknowledged Sanusi’s philanthropic engagements and commitment to youth development, stressing that sustainable progress required deliberate investment in education, skills acquisition and initiatives that promoted self-reliance.

He added that government alone could not meet every developmental need, making responsible private-sector participation and community-focused interventions essential to improving livelihoods.

Oseni further recognised Sanusi’s involvement in Ibadan’s traditional institution and his connection to Yoruba cultural heritage. He stressed the importance of preserving indigenous traditions and values, noting that cultural influence was more meaningful when accompanied by service, peaceful coexistence and a commitment to the welfare of the people. He also urged young Nigerians to draw inspiration from Sanusi’s journey by embracing hard work, discipline, continuous learning and patience in pursuing their ambitions.

The lawmaker prayed for God’s continued protection over Sanusi and his family, wishing him many more years of good health, wisdom and fulfilment. He expressed the hope that the businessman would continue to expand his investments, support initiatives that improve lives and contribute to the economic and social development of Ibadan, Oyo State and Nigeria.

Continue Reading

News

‘Senators Are Not Governors, Council Chairmen’ – Oseni Explains Legislative Responsibilities

Published

on

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has called on Nigerians to elect competent and accountable lawmakers, urging voters to understand the constitutional responsibilities of senators ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Oseni warned that misconceptions about the role of senators could undermine effective political representation, particularly when lawmakers are judged primarily by their ability to provide infrastructure, tackle poverty or distribute money to constituents rather than their performance in lawmaking, oversight and representation.

He spoke on Thursday at a political conference organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ido Local Government Chapter, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The conference, themed “The Importance of Senatorial Governance and Representation in a Federal Democratic System,” brought together Christian leaders, political stakeholders, professionals, traditional rulers, youths and women to discuss the role of the Senate in Nigeria’s democratic development.

Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, identified three major challenges confronting senatorial representation: the election of unsuitable candidates, the failure of some elected senators to discharge their responsibilities effectively, and widespread misconceptions about the office.

He said these challenges underscored the need for greater public awareness of the constitutional duties of senators.
The Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) cautioned against holding senators solely responsible for youth unemployment, poverty, inadequate infrastructure and other development challenges without considering the respective responsibilities of the federal, state and local governments.

He also faulted the expectation that senators should routinely return from Abuja with large sums of money to distribute among their constituents.

“A senator is neither the Chief Executive of a senatorial district nor a replacement for the Governor or Local Government Chairman,” Oseni said.

He explained that the primary responsibilities of senators included making laws, conducting legislative oversight, representing their constituents’ interests and advocating policies, projects and programmes capable of improving their welfare.

According to him, effective representation goes beyond occupying a seat in the National Assembly, as senators are expected to serve as a link between their constituents and the Federal Government.

He added that their responsibilities included influencing national policies, advocating development projects, facilitating access to legitimate federal programmes and ensuring that the concerns of their constituencies received adequate attention in national decision-making.

“A senator is the people’s voice at the federal level,” he said, stressing that effective representation required ensuring that constituents’ concerns were heard and considered in decisions affecting the country.

Oseni described the Senate as a critical institution in Nigeria’s federal democratic system, given its responsibilities for lawmaking, accountability and national development. He noted that the choice of a senator had implications not only for the immediate interests of a constituency but also for the country’s broader political and developmental direction.

He said the CAN conference provided an opportunity to promote informed political participation, correct misconceptions about legislative responsibilities and encourage voters in Oyo South to make informed choices ahead of the 2027 elections.

The APC chieftain urged voters to assess senatorial candidates based on their understanding of the legislative process, commitment to constituency representation, ability to scrutinise government policies and willingness to hold public institutions accountable.

He maintained that a better understanding of the Senate’s constitutional responsibilities would enable voters to set realistic expectations, demand accountability and evaluate their elected representatives more effectively.

Continue Reading

News

‎Oyo South: Sheikh Olafimihan Hails Oseni for N10m Inyass House Donation

Published

on

The APC Senatorial Candidate for Oyo South, Hon. Aderemi Oseni

‎Fadilat Sheikh Abdul Rasheed Olafimihan, the Balogun Faiydah of Yoruba Land, has commended  the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, for donating N10m towards the development of Sheikh Ibrahim Inyass House in Modinat Elekuro, Ibadan.

‎Olafimihan, who organised a programme at the religious centre on Tuesday, said the donation was appreciated by the Inyass Unity Organisation, which is affiliated with Zumuratul Faiydah Tijaniyah Ibrahimiyyah of Nigeria.

Oseni, who represents the Ido/Ibarapa East Federal Constituency and chairs the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), attended the event, where he made the donation towards the development of the facility.

In a letter of appreciation dated October 13, 2026, the organisation thanked the lawmaker for his presence and financial support.

The letter partly read, “On behalf of the Inyass Unity Organization affiliated with Zumuratul Faiydah Tijaniyah Ibrahimiyyah of Nigeria, we sincerely appreciate your presence and generous donation at the event held at Sheikh Ibrahim Inyass House, Modinat Elekuro, Ibadan, on October 13, 2026.”

The organisation specifically acknowledged the N10m contribution, stating that the money was donated towards the development of the religious centre.

“We are deeply grateful for your donation of N10,000,000.00 (Ten Million Naira Only) towards the development of Sheikh Ibrahim Inyass House,” the letter added.

‎Olafimihan also offered prayers for the lawmaker, asking Allah to reward him for his contribution and grant him success in his public service.

‎“May Almighty Allah (SWT) reward you abundantly and grant you success in your service to humanity,” the letter stated.

Continue Reading

Trending